Portret van Johan Georg III van Saksen

Jacob Gole created this print of Johan Georg III of Saxony sometime between 1660 and 1737. Note how the oval frame and the armour, lace collar and flowing wig signal the status of the sitter. This print was made in the Dutch Republic but portrays a member of the German aristocracy. The inscription at the bottom of the print asserts that Johan Georg is the Elector of Saxony by the Grace of God. The print is an assertion of power, both earthly and divine. Prints like this served as propaganda for the aristocracy in their own time. Today, we can use them as historical documents, together with estate papers, letters, and official records, to explore the social structures of early modern Europe. The making and display of images like these are key to understanding the relationship between art, power, and society.